Earth's Greatest Magus
chapter-1767

The Kronos Outpost was not just any base. Hidden from prying eyes on the dark side of the moon, it stood as a monolithic testament to the power and reach of the Kronos Order. Its steel-gray walls, spanning miles in every direction, were interspersed with glowing lines that pulsed with energy. The outpost was more than just a marvel of engineering; it was a fortress built to monitor and regulate magus activities within its galactic sector, ensuring the dominance of Kronos over the mystical forces at play.

Emery's sudden and unannounced descent upon the outpost did not go unnoticed. The moment his silhouette appeared against the backdrop of stars, the outpost's advanced sensors detected an anomaly. Within moments, his aura was identified, and alarm bells resonated throughout the massive facility. Bright red warning lights started flashing, and the hum of the facility's defensive weapon systems powering up reverberated across its corridors.

The outpost's automated defenses kicked into gear, rapidly scanning and analyzing the situation. Detecting Zeus, battered and close to death, in Emery's grasp triggered a rapid response. The dozen cannon turrets, which had been lying dormant, instantly sprang to life. Their barrels adjusted, tracking Emery's every movement.

Yet, Emery seemed unfazed. With an almost nonchalant demeanor, he continued his advance, letting Zeus's limp body scrape and graze against the jagged rocks and craters that dotted the moon's surface. The grim sight was a chilling testament to Emery's resolve and his intentions.

Suddenly, the charged atmosphere was punctuated by a brilliant flash. One of the turrets had fired, releasing a high-energy laser beam, the heat of which could be felt even before it neared its target. With swift reflexes, Emery brandished the legendary sword, positioning it to meet the oncoming beam.

The collision of ancient magic with modern technology resulted in a phenomenal display of light and sound. The force of the clash pushed Emery back slightly, a testament to the cannon's potency. Yet, the legendary blade, steeped in ancient power, managed to parry the shot, preventing it from reaching its mark.

As he move forward, more turrets locked onto him, each priming and aiming its deadly laser. Seeing the increasing threat, Emery raised the weakened Zeus up, positioning him as a barrier between himself and the incoming onslaught. The act served its purpose, causing the turrets to momentarily hesitate, recalibrating their aim.

But Emery's intentions were not rooted in mercy or strategy alone. With a swift and decisive motion, he thrust Zeus into the lunar surface, using the legendary sword to pin the fallen god down. The blade shimmered as it went through, securing Zeus in place, with his agonized face turned towards the imposing base.

Gazing at the sword, Emery directed a silent command, channeling his mental energy towards the ancient artifact. "Guard him for me," he instructed, "Let him bear witness to what comes next."

Now unburdened and with the full extent of his powers at his disposal, Emery transformed. From the dark abyss of his inner self, he summoned the Khaos-enhanced blade claw. With a fierce determination, Emery set his sights on breaching the Kronos Outpost.

The base's defensive systems recognized the increasing threat Emery posed. In unison, the turrets recalibrated and let loose a volley of high-intensity laser beams, but as the beams raced towards him, he started to phase in and out of space itself. His movements were so erratic and swift that the turrets' advanced targeting systems couldn't keep up.

Suddenly, with an explosive surge of speed, Emery reappeared right beside one of the turrets. Before it could adjust, he tore through its armored plating as if it were mere paper. A massive explosion followed, creating a blinding flash and sending shockwaves through the area.

Without wasting a second, Emery dashed to the next turret. With the same devastating efficiency, he dismantled it, leaving nothing but smoldering wreckage. But his primary target wasn't the turrets; it was the thick, shimmering energy barrier protecting the main facility. Drawing back his claw, Emery plunged it into the force field. The blades bit into the barrier, causing ripples of distorted energy.

But this act left him vulnerable. More turrets took advantage of this opening, landing hits on Emery. A guttural howl of pain and rage escaped his lips. But the pain only fueled his resolve. With a roar, Emery channeled his strength, shattering the energy barrier and making way into the sanctum of the base.

Once inside, he let out a thunderous cry, "LEAVE THIS BASE, OR FACE CERTAIN DEATH!!" His voice, laden with power and menace, echoed throughout the expansive chambers of the facility, a stark warning to all its inhabitants.

His spirit reading ability, refined and acute, quickly gave him a layout of the place. He could sense three dozen saint-level figures, their auras bright but none strong enough to pose a real challenge. Emery's focus wasn't on them; it was on a weakened, faint lifeforce deep within the facility.

"Morgana!".

Not giving the guards even a moment to react or defend, Emery made his way to the main door, shredding through any barrier that stood between him and his objective.

With a determined stride, Emery surged forward into the belly of the base. Each step he took was met with resistance from the Kronos guards, but they were no match for his heightened state of rage and power. As he clashed with them, his movements were a symphony of violence and grace. Every sweep of his clawed hand was precise, leaving behind a trail of blood and carnage. Guards fell before him, some cleaved in half, others losing limbs to his deadly strikes. The corridor echoed with the sounds of battle, but Emery's focus was unyielding.

Passing through corridor after corridor, he was met with massive, fortified doors designed to keep intruders out. But to Emery, they were mere obstacles. He tore through them with ease, each one bringing him closer to his goal.

Then, in a dimly lit chamber, he found her: Morgana.

She was suspended against a cold metallic wall, chains binding her wrists and ankles. Her once vibrant aura was now just a flicker, and her physical form appeared battered and exhausted. Despite her condition, upon seeing Emery, a glimmer of recognition and relief shone in her eyes.

"You... are safe. I'm glad," she murmured, her voice weak but filled with emotion.

Hearing such words came from such a frail body only further fanned the flames of Emery's anger even more. Without a moment's hesitation, he moved to her side and tore the chains binding her with raw strength. Gently cradling her fragile form against him, he murmured soothing words while casting a potent healing spell. The warm glow of the spell enveloped Morgana, mending her wounds and rejuvenating her spirit.

With Morgana safely in his arms, Emery's attention returned to the perpetrators.

"You're safe now," he whispered to her, his voice soft yet filled with conviction. "And they will pay dearly for this."

Channeling the immense energy of the Khaos within him, he invoked a devastating gravitational spell. The entire structure of the Kronos base began to quiver, its foundations groaning under the immense force. Cracks spread like spider webs across its surface, leading to its ultimate collapse. Many perished in the ensuing chaos, while a few managed to flee the devastation aboard a spaceship.

Emerging from the rubble, Emery took a deep breath, feeling a mix of relief and concern. The battle was won, but the war was far from over. Morgana still cradled in his arms, he made his way to what looked like the command center of the base. From his spatial space, he produced a small device. Connecting with the soul presence within, he voiced a plea:

"Atlas, I need your expertise. Help me interface with this machine."